Agenda item

          The Board received a report of the Chief Executive which detailed the fourth quarter management reports on progress against service plan objectives and performance targets, performance trends/comparisons and factors affecting the services for –

·       Employment, Economic Regeneration and Business Development (Business Development and Regional Affairs)

·       Highways, Transportation and Logistics

·       Environment and Regulatory Services

·       Prevention and Commissioning (Housing Strategy)

          In receiving the fourth quarterly monitoring reports, Councillor Hodgkinson submitted the following questions:

1. What other activity in town centres has benefited from the reduction in improved business premises?

          In response the Board was advised that during the last twelve months a number of improvements have been completed to improve the public realm within the town centres. Such improvements have included installation of new litter bins and benches within both Runcorn and Widnes town centres; re-painting of street furniture within Runcorn town centre; new gateway signage in Runcorn town centre; new temporary car park off High Street in Runcorn; and the demolition of 57 High Street property and landscaping works to create urban green space.

          Orientation signage to assist visitors to navigate between the shopping areas within the central retail area of Widnes town centre will be installed later this summer. The signage will be clear and colourful and each sign is easy to follow, incorporating the “Try Widnes” branding and a “Did you know” feature which will enhance civic pride for the town. The bandstand (between Widnes Road and Albert Road) in Widnes has been re-painted using the “Try Widnes” branding colours. There are also plans to install lighting on the bandstand to upgrade this town centre facility.

Within Travis Street (off Widnes Road) plans are advanced to provide an area of pavement which will be used as an al fresco dining area. This will help to further develop this location as an area where restaurants and cafes are operating and help them become more economically sustainable.

2. Which Playbuilder project was cut?

A written response would be provided.

3. What are the ongoing issues around experienced administrative support to the Development Control team?

          In relation to the above question the Board was advised that these issues include: the capacity available in Admin section to provide the necessary resources; the need for those staff involved to be trained (as there has been a complete change in personnel); and there are issues around the more limited range of tasks that are now undertaken by the admin section.

4. Could the prosecution of fly-posters partly cover the cost of removing fly-posted material?

With regard to the above question, legislation does allow the Council to take action against those who fly-post.  This includes the issuing of Fixed Penalty Notices or prosecution and any monies received from successfully prosecuting offenders could be used to off-set costs incurred from clearing fly-posted materials.

5. Why is the average number of days taken to repair street light increasing?

The street lighting repair time for DNO (Distribution Network Operator – Scottish Power) faults has increased due to a change in response time in their agreement.  This type of fault is totally outside our control and the faults are repaired by Scottish Power at their expense.  Faults within in our control are still being repaired within 5 days.

          RESOLVED: That the fourth quarter performance management reports be received.